signs, perhaps, of a potential compromise there to avoid the so called fiscal cliff that would raise taxes on a typical american family by some $2,200. republican congressman tom cole, of oklahoma, is urging republicans to accept president obama's deal and allow the bush-era tax cuts on the wealthy to expire for now. so tax cuts for the middle class can stay in effect. but house speaker john boehner remains opposed, saying a tax hike on the wealthy will hurt the economy. >>> today, president obama is hosting mitt romney at the white house for a private lunch. after the election, the president promised to reach out to romney for his ideas. >>> and overseas, the u.s. could be getting more involved in the civil war in syria. "the new york times" is reporting the obama administration is considering options, including arming the rebel fighters there who have made progress in recent days in battling bashar al assad's forces. >>> and more trouble for president obama's expected nominee for secretary of state. susan collins says she will not back rice for the job, until more questions on the